A Fresh Start Sober Living

The Basics

Located in Chicago, Illinois, A Fresh Start Sober Living Environments is a sober living community for men and women in early recovery. The organization’s mission is to provide clients with a sense of fellowship, which is intrinsic to applying a 12-step program. Residents must attend AA/NA meetings, work their steps and obtain employment during their stay.

Accommodations and Amenities

A Fresh Start operates 11 gender-specific homes, all boasting unique exteriors. The Addison homes for women have white-shingled exteriors, and Victorian features, while the Northbrook house for men is a brick Tudor with a steep gabled roof. There are typically between 11 and 12 clients in each house, and residents share double or triple occupancy, furnished rooms.

Residents are responsible for their own groceries, and meals are prepared in fully equipped kitchens, which often include granite counter tops and state-of-the-art appliances. Clients must provide their own bedding and toiletries. Amenities include Wi-Fi, cable TV and laundry. House managers live on the premises.

Rules and Regulations

Most clients have successfully completed primary care at a drug rehab and have a minimum of 30 days of sobriety, but A Fresh Start also accepts those with less clean time, on a case-by-case basis. Upon arrival, clients must pass an alcohol and drug screening. There is no required length of stay, but between 10 and 12 months is recommended. Usually, clients live there between six and eight months.

During their stay, unemployed clients must look for work, so that they can learn financial stability, or pursue an academic education. Clients on disability are required to volunteer in the local community. Residents are also encouraged to attend outpatient treatment, if appropriate. The curfew is midnight Sundays through Thursdays, and two am on Fridays and Saturdays. Clients whose jobs extend past curfew must inform staff of their work hours ahead of time. Additionally, residents whose jobs involve travel must apply for overnight passes three days ahead of time.

Other requirements include attending between three and four weekly 12-step meetings, obtaining and actively working with a sponsor, and working the steps. Residents must participate in household chores, and attend weekly house meetings. Random drug and alcohol screenings are conducted. At A Fresh Start, a zero tolerance policy is enforced. Residents who relapse must leave the premises immediately to ensure the safety of the entire household.

Extras

In Summary

A Fresh Start Sober Living provides what its name suggests, a fresh start for clients who are right out of rehab, and who are willing to work on a 12-step program to maintain abstinence from drugs and alcohol. This sober living community is big on peer support and helping clients learn accountability.

A Fresh Start Sober Living Cost: $800-$1,400 (30 days, depending on location). Reach A Fresh Start Sober Living by phone at (312) 238-8647, (847) 464-8057 or by email. Find A Fresh Start Sober Living on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

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